Sergio Gomez Event Agency

As we wind down towards and holidays, and subsequently, the end of 2011, Christmas gifts for grandparents are surely going to have us racking our brains for the best ideas. Buying Christmas gifts for your grandparents can be quite a task: you aren't exactly sure what they want, and you want to make sure that they will like your gift. In getting gifts for grandparents this year, remember one important thing: More often than not, grandparents appreciate old-fashioned gifts more than trendy finds. Here are some gift ideas-including some of this year's hits-which may provide generous "elderly appeal."

Christmas for many Filipinos start as early as the first day of September, of which they call the start of "ber" months. Decorations and playing of Christmas songs start on these months wherein most media programs play a big part and a countdown is observe. As the night began to lengthen and weather become colder, Filipinos start to crave for "bibingka" and "puto bumbong" (Philippine known Christmas rice cake recipe). These are delicacies among other favorites. These are traditionally served on banana leaves topped with butter or margarine and grated coconut meat.

Magazine subscription. Give Grandpa one-year gift subscriptions to his favorite magazines. A lot of grandparents really just want to find something productive to do, and magazine reading will surely keep them engaged. Music player. One of the best 2011 gifts for grandparents would be a music player loaded with favorite tunes from favorite artists. Gift Grandpa with the 2011 iPod and load it with playlists you know he'll love. Include a music player dock as well so he can listen even without headsets. Sporting gear. Validate your Grandpa's hobby by giving him the latest sporting gear. If your Grandpa's into fishing, gift him with one of this year's top five fishing rods from Gulf Master, Packer, St. Croix, Quantum, or Shakespeare. If it's golfing he loves, the Galileo Electronic Golf Scope and Rangefinder makes for an impressive, high-tech gift.

Starting December 1, Christmas parties are held almost everywhere from schools to companies. The 13th month pay is what most employees anticipate starting November. Many are on a vacation mood, though there are industries that require people to work during the holidays (e.g. Call Center firms and Technical Service Providers). Starting December 16, a large portion of the population would flock to attend Catholic mass at their local congregation. We call it "simbang gabi." Simultaneously, gang of little kids and young at heart sings Christmas carols from house to house. Many provide gift of coins and candies. Previously, adults and organizations do this for fund raising but present laws now restrict due reports of abuse. Christmas Eve is often celebrated by families at home enjoying a Christmas dinner at midnight. Although, there are those who prefer to enjoy it on bars, restaurants or park. This somehow reflects how bonded Filipino families are. This tradition is called Noche Buena. Rich and poor alike observe this Filipino practice in a form of reunion with prayer of thanks giving, dining and gift giving. Filipino values are clearly highlighted during this period as the children and grand children express their love and warm appreciation to the love and care of their elders. Although Philippines are divided by religion, dialects and location, Christmas is the tie that binds.

After December 25, Christmas celebration continues. Filipino families or friends again gather on December 31 for the Media Noche or midnight meal (New Year's Eve). Along with the preparation of food, many can't help but prepare firecrackers as well. This is in line with the influence of the Chinese culture. As mentioned, this means to greet the New Year with loud noises and sounds of merrymaking and to drive away bad spirits. In the provinces, old folks uses bamboo canon. Alternative methods of merrymaking include whistle horn for kids ("torotot), banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns. Folk beliefs also include encouraging children to jump at the stroke of midnight so that they would grow up tall, displaying circular fruit and wearing clothes with dots and wearing other circular designs to symbolize money. Another is eating twelve grapes at 12 midnight for good luck in the twelve months of the year and having 12 round shape fruits. All are too many. Nonetheless, all these are folk belief for good year to come. The "Three Kings" is the last Philippines' Pasko In The Philippines was obviously derived from "Feast of Three Kings." This is traditionally commemorated on Jan. 6 but is now celebrated on the first Sunday after the New Year.What are you waiting for, come visit the Philippines and experience Christmas with us.